Long Covid: Dr Chris gives advice on supplements to fight fatigue
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The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Arthritis, or other similar conditions that affect the joints, impacts more than 10 million people in the UK. People of all ages can suffer from the health issue, including children, though there are some modifiable risk factors that may help stave off the condition. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation (AF) says several nutritional supplements have “shown promise for relieving pain, stiffness and other arthritis symptoms”.
AF says that the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids found in fish “have potent anti-inflammatory properties”.
Moreover, curcumin, which is the active compound in the yellow-hued spice, turmeric, “acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent”.
It says supplements can sometimes cause side effects or interact with the medicines you take.
For example, high-dose fish oil supplements can thin the blood such as warfarin.
AF says that several vitamins have been studied for their effects on arthritis, but so far there’s no evidence that taking antioxidant vitamins improves arthritis symptoms, “although eating a diet rich in these nutrients is healthy overall”.
It adds: “Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K can build up in your body to the point where they become harmful, so check with your doctor about safe amounts.”
Arthritis is not a single disease, but instead a way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.
If you have arthritis, your joints will most likely feel stiff and be hard to move, you may also find that the area around your joints may feel warm, look red or puffy.
If you notice symptoms or are concerned about arthritis it is important to speak to your GP.
AF states: “Morning stiffness that lasts longer than an hour is a good reason to suspect arthritis.”
Two other key signs are swelling and difficulty moving a joint.
Some types of arthritis cause the skin over the affected joint to become red and swollen and may start feeling warm to the touch.
If swelling that lasts for three days or longer or occurs more than three times a month you should speak with your doctor.
AF says that arthritis symptoms are complicated and varied.
It advises: “Before visiting the doctor, keep track of your symptoms for a few weeks, noting what is swollen and stiff, when, for how long and what helps ease the symptoms.
“Getting an accurate diagnosis is the next step so you can begin a treatment plan that will protect your mobility and quality of life.”
There are some lifestyle changes which can help arthritis sufferers. One, might be to lose weight if you are overweight.
Carrying excess weight on your body puts extra pressure on the hip and knee joints, making them weaker and more likely to become arthritic.
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